Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, charting the rise of Eva Duarte from humble upbringing to virtual sainthood in troubled Argentina, is justifiably one of their most successful.

Laura Simmons is stunning in the lead role, lively in the first-half but really shining after the interval, as the people’s icon, Evita.

Her delivery of Don’t Cry For Me Argentina was spellbinding, resplendent in a beautiful white gown and her subsequent descent into ill-health and ultimate demise were sensitively played.

As narrator Che, Barry Gibney was excellent and crystal-clear in his delivery, and Dave Simmons was strong as Juan Peron. Martyn Boniface acquitted himself well as Tango singer Magaldi.

The minimalist set put the emphasis on the action and Director Ben Occhipinti had good support from Musical Director Liz Weager.

ALAN JOHNS